HOW would you be. Two The Locals reviewed in two weeks, both with great food. Both very different establishments.

Last week it was the old Seaview Hotel, recently rebadged, while this week’s local has been the cafe of choice for Hilton folk for a few years, a typical family eatery with room for kids to play safely outside.

“People are calling this the new Old Papa’s because it’s full of Fremantle locals,” says Jon Cope, who used to run the much-missed Kulcha.

He and wife Emma Birkett play at the cafe Sunday mornings; it’s mellow music to eat your bacon and eggs by.

Or in the case of the D’Angers a Bali breakfast and a burger.

“You’re changing everything on our menu!” the cheerful staffer taking the order exclaimed with a smile.

For me it was not wanting chicken in the nasi goreng, and for D’Angerous Dave it was a case of supplementing the vegie burger for a tuna patty, oh and opting for an apple, orange and ginger juice ($6.50) as opposed to the one on the menu.

None of which was any trouble I might add.

My fried rice ($14) was great, not unlike many eaten in Bali and topped with a couple of fried eggs.

At the next table a friendly woman raved about her chicken version, saying it’s unfailingly tender and delicious, and something she orders regularly.

I reckon the tuna patty should feature as a burger ($19): it was magnificent, a patty version of a green curry and bursting with flavour and aroma.

The chef was happy to pass on his secret, saying he adds lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime zest, and coconut to the tuna and potato blend.

With a beautiful synergy the shop next door is Sweet Desire, so we grabbed a couple of cakes to go with our tea and coffee from The Local. Cakes used to be made onsite, but due to demand baking moved to a larger commercial kitchen nearby.

The cabinet is full of tempting delights, which we finally narrowed down to a toblerone ($5) and a baci ($4) cake, which were death-on-a-plate, rich concoctions sure to harden arteries and add weight to the hips.

But so good we didn’t care and went back a few days later for more.

by JENNY D’ANGER

The Local Cafe
36 Paget Street, Hilton
open 7 days breakfast and lunch | 9337 7212
Sweet Desire is open Mon– Fri 8am–5pm, Sat to 4pm